Trump responds to whether US could lift some sanctions on Russia

The President was asked whether the US is considering lifting restrictions on certain Russian banks and companies.

Trump told journalists that his administration is "looking at" the conditions that, according to the Kremlin, must be met before the Black Sea agreement can be implemented.

"We are thinking about them right now. There are about five or six conditions. We are looking at all of them," Trump said today at the White House.

Sanctions against Russia

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the international community has imposed numerous sanctions on it. The European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and other nations have introduced restrictions targeting Russia’s financial sector, technology exports, energy, and defense industries.

On February 24, the EU Council approved its 16th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting, among other things, Russia’s shadow fleet and banks that circumvent restrictions.

However, in recent days, the US held separate technical negotiations with Ukraine and Russia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, discussing the possibility of a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.

As a result of these talks, Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire in the Black Sea and an energy ceasefire with Russia.

However, Putin’s regime only agreed to an energy ceasefire while demanding that the West first lift some sanctions before considering a broader agreement.

Interestingly, the White House released a final statement on the negotiations between American and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, which differed from the one published by Russia.

Notably, the White House did not mention lifting sanctions on Russia as a condition for the Black Sea ceasefire.

For more details on the US negotiations with Ukraine and Russia and whether there are any results, read the RBC-Ukraine report.